All of Peter's locomotives are kit-built or scratchbuilt. CHRIS NEVARD

3mm often lives in the shadow of other, more recognised modelling scales. But with his passion for kit-building and compact layouts, it’s always been Peter Bossom’s scale of choice.

There’s no doubt about it, ‘OO’ is the most popular gauge for British railway modellers. Meccano ensured its popularity with Hornby-Dublo in 1938 and the hobby hasn’t looked back since. Although there are many reasons why ‘OO’ gauge is the undisputed king of Britain’s model railway industry, it isn’t perfect.

For one, ‘OO’ gauge is 16.5mm, which isn’t anatomically correct at 1:76 scale - hence the introduction of more accurate 4mm gauges, ‘EM’ and ‘P4’. Secondly, and this goes for all 4mm disciplines, it’s still relatively large. A ‘OO’ Class 37 and four Mk 2s, for example, are over a metre in length (over 3ft); that will take a big chunk from even a 6ft long baseboard. The obvious alternative is ‘N’ gauge, which boasts considerable space benefits alongside a formidable roster of ready-to-run locomotives and scenic accessories.

But if the prospect of kit-built and scratchbuilt stock doesn’t put you off, there is another, less talked about alternative: 3mm scale. And this is where Peter Bossom’s ‘Sub Wealden Gypsum Co.’ comes in...

Find out more in MR239 - OUT AUGUST 24

The prototype afforded Peter a plausible setting, while the model itself is largely freelance. CHRIS NEVARD